How to Make RV Awnings

If you're traveling in your RV in the summer, you will likely have to deal with hot temperatures wherever you stop. When you're camped out in that RV in the blistering sun, you can either stay inside in the air conditioning, or attach an awning to the RV for shade. Manufactured RV awnings are not hard to come by, but you can also make your own RV awnings, if you have the right materials, such as flagpoles and a good sheet of canvas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flagpoles with stands
• Epoxy cement
• Screws and drill
• PVC pipe fittings
• Canvas sheet

1. Determine and measure the space on the RV's side to which the awning will be mounted. Note the placement of the pole stands. To get the most space, mark them near the roof's edge.

2. Mount flagpole stands onto the outer side of the RV where you made the markings. If you are using wall mount flagpole stands, these can be screwed onto the siding; screw them into a support beam behind the outer siding. Any other types can be glued on with a strong epoxy cement.

3. Insert the flagpoles that came with each stand into their stands.

4. Connect the poles to a vertical base, if you want the awning to be more balanced and secure. Place another couple of flagpoles on the ground, standing them vertically on floor flag stands, and lining them up with the poles on the RV. Connect the standing poles to the RV poles, using PVC pipe fittings.

5. Drape canvas, or other sturdy fabric over the top of the constructed awning frame. There are multiple ways that you can connect the canvas to the poles: tie it to the poles by cutting holes along the edges, or glue the edges to the poles with epoxy cement or adhesive mounting strips.

References

• The Awnings Guide
• Life 123